Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on the (Roman Catholic) church of Cille Choirill in the Scottish Highlands.

Location is a relatively isolated spot near Roybridge off the A86 highway in turn thirteen miles N.E of Fort William.

Roman Catholic sites such as this are unusual as in 1560 Scotland suddenly switched from Catholicism to Protestantism. The populace had little choice in the matter with violence occasionally featuring.

The name is expressed in Gaelic with the ‘cille’ element being roughly cognate with the English word ‘cell’. Many place names in Ireland and western Scotland begin with ‘kil’. This is derived from ‘cille’ and usually indicates an early Christian site dating back, maybe, 1500 years.

Summary information on Cille Choirill

• The Cille Choirill (Killichurrel) site is dedicated to St Kerrill (St Cyril). Original structure may have been built by Cameron of Lochiel, an influential Highland Chief who lived 1700-1748.
• The church was rebuilt in 1933 with original architectural features from the medieval period. The work was funded by Canadian descendants of emigrants from the Lochaber region in which the church is located.
• Further restoration work was undertaken by the Scottish Churches Archaeological Trust in 1991.
• Location provides superb high elevation views across Glen Spean and the Monessie Gorge.

• The site featured in the British T.V. series Monarch of the Glen (2000-2005) as Glenbogle Church. Ardverikie House, which also featured in the series, is just a few miles away although is not a visitor attraction.

• With the church is an ancient burial ground in which the Gaelic poets Iain Lom and Dòmhnall Mac Fhionnlaigh nan Dàn are buried.

Visiting

The site can only be accessed by motor or road based transport. Another interesting site nearby is the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. This was erected to commemorate a special forces unit established during WW2 which trained in the area.

More information for the visitor

For more information on Scotland’s history, sightseeing and much more please refer Visitors Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4